At the Manuel Murillo Toro Stadium, Tolima faced off against Fortaleza FC, concluding their match with a 1-1 draw in the ninth round of the top division.
The home side took an early lead in the ninth minute when Jersson González scored with a brilliant left-footed shot into the bottom left corner, following a precise assist from Gonzalo Lencina. His effort left the Fortaleza goalkeeper with no chance.
However, Fortaleza FC responded effectively, leveling the match in the 80th minute through Sebastián Valencia. The defender not only scored but also made a remarkable contribution by clearing eight dangerous balls throughout the game.
Both players displayed exceptional performances, with González’s impressive goal earning him applause from the crowd.
Tolima’s manager, Lucas González, opted for a 4-5-1 formation, placing Cristopher Fiermarín in goal, with a defensive line featuring Yhormar Hurtado, Marlon Torres, Anderson Angulo, and Samuel Velásquez. In the midfield, he deployed Juan Pablo Nieto, Brayan Rovira, Jersson González, Kevin Pérez, and Mauricio González, with Gonzalo Lencina leading the attack.
On the other hand, Sebastián Oliveros’ squad featured a 4-4-2 alignment, with Jordan Garcia safeguarding the net, supported by a defense of Jonathan Marulanda, Yesid Díaz, Harold Balanta, and Sebastián Valencia. Midfielders Kelvin Flórez, Leonardo Pico, Kevin Balanta, and Andrés Arroyo assisted in transitions to forwards Andrés Ricaurte and Santiago Córdoba.
Match referee Luis Matorel Martínez skillfully managed the competition.
Looking ahead, Tolima is set to visit Llaneros FC, whereas Fortaleza FC will host La Equidad in their next match.
Following this matchup, Tolima sits in third place with 17 points, while Fortaleza FC is positioned fifth with 15 points.
Substitutions for Tolima
24’ 1H – Kevin Pérez was replaced by Juan Pablo Torres.
63’ 2H – Samuel Velásquez came off for Junior Hernández and Mauricio González for Bruno Larregui.
77’ 2H – Brayan Rovira was substituted by Cristian Trujillo, and Jersson González by Adrián Parra.
Substitutions for Fortaleza FC
69’ 2H – Santiago Córdoba was replaced by Jhon Martínez, and Kelvin Flórez by Andrés Amaya.
78’ 2H – Andrés Ricaurte made way for Santiago Cuero.
83’ 2H – Andrés Arroyo was substituted by Luis Escorcia.
Yellow cards for Fortaleza FC:
6’ 2H – Yesid Díaz (Unsporting behavior) and 36’ 2H – Andrés Amaya (Unsporting behavior).